The small town of Ligonier and neighboring areas are quietly reeling after the tragic death of 23‑year‑old Monica Estrada, who was killed in a roadside collision with a train in nearby Cromwell, Indiana, on the morning of Sunday, November 2, 2025.
First responders from the Syracuse Police Department and Noble County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. Despite the swift response, Monica was pronounced deceased at the site, the victim of injuries deemed unsurvivable.
At this time, authorities have not released a full explanation of what led up to the collision. Investigators are asking witnesses and reviewing signals, signage, and train traffic leading up to the event, as part of the ongoing probe.
Friends and neighbors are sharing stories and tributes online describing Monica as someone whose laugh could fill a room, whose presence brought warmth and light, and whose caring nature made everyone feel seen. One post reads: “Such an unforgettable laugh, Monica Estrada. I’m truly going to miss you. I wish this was just a dream.” Another says: “Love you so much, Mona. I’m glad I got to spend my day with you yesterday and see you happy and beautiful. RIP Monica Estrada, you will be so missed.”
Through those shared words, a picture emerges of a young woman who embraced life fully, who made time for the people she loved, and whose absence now leaves a palpable void in a tight‑knit community. Her family, close friends, and neighbors are attempting to process an abrupt and shocking loss, one that arrived without warning and has shaken everyone who knew her.
In the days ahead, the Ligonier and Cromwell communities will gather to grieve and honor Monica. Remembrances will focus not only on the tragedy of her departure but on the joy she brought to her surroundings. People are coming together to share stories of her kindness, her authentic self, and the genuine way she connected with others—even strangers.
While no memorial details have yet been formally announced by her family, community members are already rallying around her loved ones, offering support in any way they can: meals, visits, sharing of photos and memories. In this outpouring, there is a determination to keep Monica’s spirit alive through the good she did and the love she showed.
Monica Estrada’s life may have been brief, but the impact she made will continue through the memories held by those around her. The lesson here — fragile though it may be — is to hold our loved ones close, to let people know the difference they make, and to carry forward the light that someone like Monica brought into the world, even in the deepest of heartache.
